Printing method and a printing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A printing method comprising a process of forming an ink pattern on a silicone rubber blanket having a plate function, or a process of forming an ink pattern from a uniform ink on a silicone rubber blanket having no plate function, a process of transferring the pattern to a substrate, and a process of forming a uniform ink on a silicone rubber blanket having no plate function, pressing the uniform ink against on the ink pattern formed on the substrate, and laminating a uniform ink on a portion thus pressed, only on the ink pattern.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a divisional application of application Ser. No.11/481,781, filed Jul. 7, 2006, the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a printing method and a printingapparatus effective for printing of a minute pattern on a liquid crystalcolor filter, a chip on film for mobile phones, etc.

Conventionally, as a fine printing method and a fine printing apparatus,a printing method and a printing apparatus are proposed, as disclosed inJP-A-2000-289320 and JP-A-11-198337, in which a functional resin iscoated on a silicone rubber blanket, an intaglio or a printing plate ispressed against a coated surface, a resin on the pressed portion isremoved from the silicone rubber blanket, and a remaining resin istransferred to a substrate.

As described in MATERIAL STAGE Vol. 3, No. 4, 2003, there is proposed aprinting apparatus that laminates carbon, which inhibits ion migration,on silver wiring, which is formed by screen process printing, withscreen process printing. A roll-to-roll printing technique is alsodisclosed, which uses PET (polyethylene terephthalate) film or the like.

Further, there is proposed a blanket possessing a material and physicalproperties, which are suited to printing of fine patterns with the useof an intaglio offset printing, as disclosed in JP-A-6-255280.

The prior arts propose methods of printing a fine pattern making maximumuse of a feature of a silicone rubber blanket, which is excellent in inktransfer, but the methods involve a problem that it is difficult to forma thick ink film on a surface of a silicone rubber blanket and it is notpossible to make printing of a fine pattern and printing of a thick filmpattern compatible since not only silicone rubber, which is small incritical surface tension and poor in ink accept performance, is used fora rubber layer on a blanket surface but also ink having a smallviscosity is used.

Since a rate of ink transfer from a blanket to a substrate is high butink tends to separate due to a low wettability, there is caused aproblem that it is difficult to form an ink film on a surface of ablanket.

Further, since not only silicone rubber, which is small in criticalsurface tension, is used for a rubber layer on a blanket surface butalso a fine ink pattern is printed on a silicone rubber blanket, thereis also caused a problem that an ink pattern becomes thin in line andfine line breakage is liable to occur.

Also, material property, process condition, or the like formaterialization of the printing principle, such as the relationshipbetween surface energy of a silicone rubber blanket and surface tensionof ink, ink property when unused ink is removed and a desired inkpattern is printed are not clear.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to solve the problem described aboveand to provide a printing method capable of forming a fine and thickfilm ink pattern and a printing apparatus using the same.

A printing method of the invention comprises: a process of coating inkon a silicone rubber blanket having a function of a printing plate toform an ink pattern thereon; a process of transferring the ink patternto a substrate to form a pattern; a process of forming an ink coatedsurface on a silicone rubber blanket having no plate function; and aprocess of pressing the substrate, which is formed with an ink pattern,against the ink coated surface to remove ink on a portion pressed by theink pattern from the silicone rubber blanket and laminating ink only onthe ink pattern on the substrate to form a pattern, and the printingmethod is characterized in that both fining a film and thickening a filmare made possible by means of self-alignment by making use of the inkpattern formed on the substrate.

In addition, principle of the invention is based on pressing asubstrate, on which an ink pattern is formed, against an ink coated filmformed on a blanket having an ink separating performance, removing inkon a portion pressed by the ink pattern, and laminating ink only on theink pattern. A method of forming an ink pattern being an originalpattern, a kind of ink, a kind of a substrate, a material of a blanket,etc. are not limitative.

Also, ink laminated on an ink pattern formed on the substrate is notlimited to a printing method, in which the same as an ink pattern issimply laminated and made thick in film, but is effective as a printingmethod of laminating a different ink from an ink pattern, for example,laminating migration preventive carbon on a silver wiring, since anyprinting plate and positioning are not necessary and ink can belaminated only on a pattern in self-alignment.

Further, ink for printing is not limited to an organic material such asa color filter, etching resist, etc. but ink such as paste making use offine powder of metal, inorganic material, etc. is also effective.

A printing apparatus of the invention comprises: ink film coated meanscomprising a moving mechanism and a vertical adjustment mechanism and animpression cylinder on which a blanket having a silicone rubber whichpossesses a function of a printing plate on a surface thereof isprovided; ink film lamination means comprising a moving mechanism and avertical adjustment mechanism and an impression cylinder on which ablanket having a silicone rubber on a surface thereof is provided; meansthat removes an unnecessary ink remaining on the silicone rubberblankets; an ink having a low viscosity; ink supplying means; ink coatedsurface forming means; a substrate such as glass substrate, etc.; and aflat stage for the substrate.

A further printing apparatus of the invention comprises: ink film coatedmeans comprising a moving mechanism and a vertical adjustment mechanismand an impression cylinder on which a blanket having a silicone rubberwhich possesses a function of a printing plate on a surface thereof isprovided; a plurality of ink film lamination means each mounted on asame moving mechanism and comprising a vertical adjustment mechanism andan impression cylinder on which a blanket having a silicone rubber on asurface thereof is provided; means that removes an unnecessary inkremaining on the silicone rubber blankets; an ink having a lowviscosity; ink supplying means; ink coated surface forming means; asubstrate such as glass substrate, etc.; and a flat stage for asubstrate.

A further printing apparatus of the invention comprises: ink film coatedmeans comprising a vertical adjustment mechanism and an impressioncylinder on which a blanket having a silicone rubber which possesses afunction of a printing plate on a surface thereof is provided; ink filmlamination means comprising a vertical adjustment mechanism and animpression cylinder on which a blanket having a silicone rubber on asurface thereof is provided, said ink film coated means and said inkfilm lamination means being mounted on a same moving mechanism; meansthat removes an unnecessary ink remaining on the silicone rubberblankets; an ink having a low viscosity; ink supplying means; ink coatedsurface forming means; a substrate such as glass substrate, etc.; and aflat stage for a substrate.

A further printing apparatus of the invention comprises: ink film coatedmeans comprising a vertical adjustment mechanism and an impressioncylinder on which a blanket having a silicone rubber which possesses afunction of a printing plate on a surface thereof is provided; aplurality of ink film lamination means each comprising a verticaladjustment mechanism and an impression cylinder on which a blankethaving a silicone rubber on a surface thereof is provided, said ink filmcoated means and said plurality of ink film lamination means beingmounted on a same moving mechanism; means that removes an unnecessaryink remaining on the silicone rubber blankets; an ink having a lowviscosity; ink supplying means; ink coated surface forming means; asubstrate such as glass substrate, etc.; and a flat stage for asubstrate.

A further printing apparatus comprises: ink film coated means comprisingan impression cylinder on which a blanket having a silicone rubber whichpossesses a function of a printing plate on a surface thereof isprovided; ink film lamination means comprising an impression cylinder onwhich a blanket having a silicone rubber on a surface thereof isprovided; means that removes an unnecessary ink remaining on thesilicone rubber blankets; an ink having a low viscosity; ink supplyingmeans; ink coated surface forming means; a substrate being a lengthyfilm for a roll to roll manufacturing method; a feeding mechanism for alengthy film for a roll to roll manufacturing method; and a plurality offlat stages for the substrate.

Further, a further printing apparatus comprises: ink film coated meanscomprising an impression cylinder on which a blanket having a siliconerubber which possesses a function of a printing plate on a surfacethereof is provided; a plurality of ink film lamination means eachcomprising an impression cylinder on which a blanket having a siliconerubber on a surface thereof is provided; means that removes anunnecessary ink remaining on the silicone rubber blankets; an ink havinga low viscosity; ink supplying means; ink coated surface forming means;a substrate being a lengthy film for a roll to roll manufacturingmethod; a feeding mechanism for a lengthy film for a roll to rollmanufacturing method; and a plurality of flat stages for the substrate.

In addition, methods for ink coating means, unnecessary ink removemeans, heating means for drying an ink pattern, etc. should beappropriately selected according to a configuration of a product,pattern forming speed, etc. and are not limited to the embodiments.

A printing method of the invention comprises; a process of forming anink coated surface on a silicone rubber blanket; a process of pressingan intaglio or a printing plate against the ink coated surface andremoving ink on the pressed portion from the silicone rubber blanket toform an ink pattern on the silicone rubber blanket; a process oftransferring the ink pattern formed on the silicone rubber blanket to asubstrate to form a pattern; a process of forming an ink coated surfaceon a further silicone rubber blanket; and a process of pressing thesubstrate, on which an ink pattern is formed, against the ink coatedsurface to laminate ink only on the ink pattern, and the printing methodis characterized in that both fining a film and thickening a film aremade possible by means of self-alignment by making use of the inkpattern formed on the substrate.

In addition, principle of the invention is based on pressing asubstrate, on which an ink pattern is formed, against an ink coated filmformed on a blanket having an ink separating performance, removing inkon a portion pressed by the ink pattern, and laminating ink only on theink pattern. A method of forming an ink pattern being an originalpattern, a kind of ink, a kind of a substrate, a material of a blanket,etc. are not limitative.

Further, a printing apparatus of the invention comprises: ink filmcoated means comprising a moving mechanism and a vertical adjustmentmechanism and an impression cylinder on which a blanket having asilicone rubber on a surface thereof is provided; ink film laminationmeans comprising a moving mechanism and a vertical adjustment mechanismand an impression cylinder on which a blanket having a silicone rubberon a surface thereof is provided; means that removes an unnecessary inkremaining on the silicone rubber blankets; an ink having a lowviscosity; ink coated surface forming means, a pattern forming platecomposed of a printing plate or an intaglio; a substrate such as glasssubstrate, etc.; and a flat stage for the substrate.

Further, a printing apparatus of the invention comprises: ink filmcoated means comprising a moving mechanism and a vertical adjustmentmechanism and an impression cylinder on which a blanket having asilicone rubber on a surface thereof is provided; ink film laminationmeans comprising an impression cylinder on which a blanket having asilicone rubber on a surface thereof is provided; means that removes anunnecessary ink remaining on the silicone rubber blankets; an ink havinga low viscosity; ink coated surface forming means; a pattern formingplate composed of a printing plate or an intaglio; a substrate being alengthy film for a roll to roll manufacturing method; a feedingmechanism for a lengthy film for a roll to roll manufacturing method;and a flat stage for the pattern forming plate and the substrate.

In addition, methods for ink coating means, unnecessary ink removemeans, heating means for drying an ink pattern, etc. should beappropriately selected according to a configuration of a product,pattern forming speed, etc. and are not limited to the embodiments.

Also, that number, in which ink film laminated means mounting thereon ablanket provided on a surface rubber layer thereof with a siliconerubber and including a vertically adjustment mechanism are mounted,should be appropriately selected according to a configuration of aproduct, pattern forming speed, etc. and are not limited to theembodiments.

Also, ink is not limited only to an organic material such as a colorfilter, etching resist, etc. but metallic materials for displayelectrode wiring, and for electronic circuit board wiring, inorganicmaterials for insulating layers, etc. can be used.

As described above, the invention has a feature in forming a fine andthick film pattern having the same quality as that of photolithographyby means of a process of forming a thin ink film on a silicone rubberblanket having an ink separating performance and a function of aprinting plate and forming an ink pattern on the blanket, a process oftransferring the ink pattern formed on the blanket to a substrate, aprocess of forming a thin ink film on a surface of a silicone rubberblanket having an ink separating performance, and a process of pressingthat substrate, which is formed with an ink pattern, against the thinink film formed on the silicone rubber blanket to remove a thin ink filmon a portion pressed by the ink pattern and laminating ink on the inkpattern, and in particular, any laminated pattern forming plate andpositioning at the time of pattern lamination are not necessary and apattern is laminated to provide a thick film in self-alignment.

Also, the invention has a main feature in forming a fine and thick filmpattern having the same quality as that of photolithography by means ofa process of forming a thin ink film on a silicone rubber blanket havingan ink separating performance, a process of pressing a printing plate oran intaglio, which makes a pattern forming plate, against the thin inkfilm formed on the silicone rubber blanket and removing ink on a portionpressed by the printing plate to form an ink pattern, a process oftransferring the ink pattern formed on the blanket to a substrate, aprocess of forming a thin ink film on a surface of a further siliconerubber blanket having an ink separating performance, and a process ofpressing the substrate, which is formed with an ink pattern, against thethin ink film formed on the blanket to remove a thin ink film on aportion pressed by the ink pattern and laminating ink only on the inkpattern, and in particular, any laminated pattern forming plate andpositioning at the time of pattern lamination are not necessary and apattern is laminated to provide a thick film in self-alignment.

The printing method of the invention is one of pressing a substrate, onwhich an ink pattern is formed, against a thin ink film formed on asilicone rubber blanket having an ink separating performance to laminatethe thin ink film only on the ink pattern in self-alignment, thusforming a fine and thick film pattern, and produces an advantage ofenabling forming a fine and thick film pattern in a less number ofprocesses since processes of forming any laminated pattern andpositioning an ink pattern on a substrate with respect to an inkpattern, which is laminated thereon, are made unnecessary.

Also, the printing apparatus of the invention forms a fine and thickfilm pattern by means of a process, in which after an ink pattern isformed directly on a blanket by ink film coated means including animpression cylinder mounting thereon a silicone rubber blanket, whichpossesses a function of a plate, in order to form a pattern, and inksupplying means, or a thin ink film is formed on a blanket by ink thinfilm forming means including an impression cylinder mounting thereon asilicone rubber blanket, and ink supplying means, an ink pattern isformed on the blanket by pattern forming means, which presses a patternforming plate composed of a printing plate or an intaglio against thethin ink film to remove a thin ink film on a portion pressed by theprinting plate, and then the ink pattern is transferred to the substrateto form a pattern, and a process, in which the substrate formed with anink original pattern is pressed against the thin ink film formed on theblanket by thin ink film coated means, which includes an impressioncylinder mounting thereon a further silicone rubber blanket, and the inksupplying means, to remove a thin ink film on a portion thus pressed,thereby laminating a thin ink film only on the ink original pattern inself-alignment, and processes of forming any laminated pattern andpositioning an ink pattern on a substrate with respect to an inkpattern, which is laminated thereon, are made unnecessary, so that thereis produced an advantage of enabling forming a fine and thick filmpattern in a less number of processes and making an apparatus simple inconstruction to provide an inexpensive and small-sized apparatus.

According to the invention, it is possible to provide a printingapparatus that can readily form a fine pattern having a thick film andis small in size and inexpensive.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the invention will be madeapparent from the following descriptions of the invention with referenceto the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A and 1B are views showing a printing method according to theinvention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing Embodiment 1 of aprinting apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing Embodiment 2 of aprinting apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 4 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing Embodiment 3 of aprinting apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 5 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing Embodiment 4 of aprinting apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 6 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing Embodiment 5 of aprinting apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 7 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing Embodiment 6 of aprinting apparatus according to the invention;

FIG. 8 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing Embodiment 7 of aprinting apparatus according to the invention; and

FIG. 9 is a schematic, cross sectional view showing Embodiment 8 of aprinting apparatus according to the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

To sum up, the invention realizes a printing method of forming a finepattern having a thick film, comprising: processes (1), (2) of formingand transferring an ink pattern 25 directly on a silicone rubber blanket23 to form a pattern on a substrate 42; and a process (3) of laminatingink on the ink pattern in self-alignment to make the same thick in filmas shown in FIG. 1A, and a printing apparatus using the same. Theinvention realizes also a printing method of forming a fine patternhaving a thick film, comprising: processes (1-1), (1-2), and (2) ofpressing a pattern forming plate 72 composed of an intaglio or aprinting plate against a thin ink film 26 formed uniformly on a siliconerubber blanket 24 having an ink separating performance, removing a thinink film on a portion pressed by the printing plate 72, and forming anink pattern on the silicone rubber blanket 24 to transfer the same toform a pattern on the substrate 42; and a process (3) of laminating inkon the ink pattern in self-alignment to make the same thick in film asshown in FIG. 1B.

In addition, the invention bases its principles on pressing a substrate,on which an ink pattern is formed, against an ink coated film formed ona blanket having an ink separating performance, removing ink on aportion pressed by the ink pattern, and laminating ink only on the inkpattern. A method of forming an ink pattern being an original pattern, akind of ink, a kind of a substrate, a material of a blanket, etc. arenot limitative. In particular, the invention is suited to a color filterfor liquid crystal displays, etching resist, formation of an electrode,and formation of wiring for electronic circuit boards.

FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view showing Embodiment 1 of a printingapparatus according to the invention. The reference numeral 10 denotes astationary frame, 20 ink film coated means, on which ink, a functionalresin, metallic nano-paste, etc. (typically, referred below to as“functional resin”) is coated, 20′ ink film lamination means, on which afunctional resin is coated, 21 an impression cylinder for patternformation, 22 an impression cylinder for laminated pattern formation, 23a silicone rubber blanket having a plate function of forming a pattern,24 a silicone rubber blanket having no plate function of forming apattern, 25 a functional resin coated on a silicone rubber blankethaving a plate function, 26 a functional resin formed uniformly on asilicone rubber blanket having no plate function, 27 a moving frame forpattern formation, 28 a moving frame for laminated pattern formation, 30means for supplying a functional resin for pattern formation, 31 a headfor supplying a functional resin for pattern formation, 32 a functionalresin for pattern formation, 33 a tank of a functional resin for patternformation, 30′ means for supplying a functional resin for laminatedpattern formation, 31′ a head for supplying a functional resin forlaminated pattern formation, 32′ a functional resin for laminatedpattern formation, 33′ a tank of a functional resin for laminatedpattern formation, 40 printing means, 41 a flat stage for a substrate,and 42 a substrate.

In FIG. 2, the means 30 for supplying a functional resin for patternformation, the means 30′ for supplying a functional resin for laminatedpattern formation, and the printing means 40 are mounted to thestationary frame 10. Further, the moving frame 27 for pattern formationis provided on the stationary frame 10 in order to move, on the printingmeans 40, the ink film coated means 20, which comprises the impressioncylinder 21 having a vertical adjustment mechanism and the siliconerubber blanket 23, which has a plate function, and on which thefunctional resin 25 is coated. Also, the moving frame 28 for laminatedpattern formation is provided on the stationary frame 10 in order tomove, on the printing means 40, the ink film lamination means 20′, whichcomprises the impression cylinder 22 having a vertical adjustmentmechanism and the silicone rubber blanket 24, which has no platefunction, and on which the functional resin 26 is coated.

In an operation of the present embodiment, the impression cylinder 21 isfirst stopped on the means 30 for supplying a functional resin. Theimpression cylinder 21 or the head 31 for supplying a functional resinis moved to retain a clearance corresponding to a film thickness of afunctional resin formed on the silicone rubber blanket 23 having a platefunction. The functional resin 32 corresponding to a predetermined filmthickness is supplied from the head 31 for supplying a functional resin,and the impression cylinder 21 is rotated to form a pattern of thefunctional resin 25 of the predetermined film thickness on a convexpattern part formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 23having a plate function.

Subsequently, the ink film coated means 20 is moved onto the printingmeans 40 composed of the flat stage 41 for a substrate and the substrate42, a pattern of the functional resin 25 formed on the surface of thesilicone rubber blanket 23 having the plate function is rolled onto apredetermined position on the substrate 42 while contacting with asurface of the substrate 42, and thus the pattern of the functionalresin 25 formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 havingthe plate function is transferred to the surface of the substrate 42 toform a pattern of the functional resin 25.

Subsequently, the impression cylinder 22 is stopped on the means 30′ forsupplying a functional resin. The impression cylinder 22 or the head 31′for supplying a functional resin is moved a distance between a surfaceof the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function for patternformation and the head 31′ for supplying a functional resin, a clearancecorresponding to a film thickness of a functional resin formed on thesilicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function is retained, thefunctional resin 32′ corresponding to a predetermined film thickness issupplied from the head 31′ for supplying a functional resin, and theimpression cylinder 22 is rotated to form a pattern of the functionalresin 26 of a predetermined film thickness on the surface of thesilicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function.

Thereafter, the ink film lamination means 20′ of a functional resin ismoved onto the printing means 40 composed of the flat stage 41 for asubstrate and the substrate 42, on which a pattern of a functional resinis formed. the means 20′ is caused by the vertical adjustment mechanismof the impression cylinder 22 to contact with the pattern of thefunctional resin formed on the substrate 42. A clearance correspondingto a film thickness of the functional resin 26 formed uniformly on thesilicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function is retained. Theimpression cylinder 22 is rotated to transfer a thin film of afunctional resin, which has a predetermined film thickness and is formedon the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function, to only thepattern of the functional resin, which is formed on the substrate 42, inself-alignment. Thus, pattern formation of a fine and thick filmfunctional resin is completed in a minimum number of processes.

In addition, an unnecessary coated film of a functional resin remainingon the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no platefunction is removed and washed every pattern formation by ink removemeans, which is composed of a metallic impression cylinder, while notshown in the figure.

FIG. 3 is a cross sectional view showing Embodiment 2 of the invention.The embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 2in that construction, in which the ink film coated means 20 providedwith a moving frame 27 for movement on printing means 40, and the inkfilm lamination means 20′ provided with a moving frame 28 for movementon the printing means 40 are provided on a stationary frame 10.

The embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in that a plurality of inkfilm lamination means 20′ are provided on the moving frame 28 formovement on the printing means 40.

In FIG. 3, means 30 for supplying a functional resin for patternformation, a plurality of means 30′, 30′ for supplying a functionalresin for laminated pattern formation, and the printing means 40 aremounted to the stationary frame 10. Further, provided on the stationaryframe 10 is the moving frame 27 for pattern formation, which moves theink film coated means 20 onto the printing means 40. Also, there isprovided the moving frame 28 for laminated pattern formation to move theink film coated means 20, the ink film lamination means 20′ onto theprinting means 40.

In an operation of the embodiment, the impression cylinder 21 is firststopped on the means 30 for supplying a functional resin. The impressioncylinder 21 or the head 31 for supplying a functional resin is moved adistance between a surface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 having aplate function for pattern formation and the head 31 for supplying afunctional resin, a clearance corresponding to a film thickness of afunctional resin formed on the silicone rubber blanket 23 having a platefunction is retained. The functional resin 32 corresponding to apredetermined film thickness is supplied from the head 31 for supplyinga functional resin, and the impression cylinder 21 is rotated to form apattern of the functional resin 25 of a predetermined film thickness ona convex pattern part formed on the surface of the silicone rubberblanket 23 having a plate function.

Subsequently, the ink film coated means 20 is moved onto the printingmeans 40. A pattern of the functional resin 25 formed on the surface ofthe silicone rubber blanket 23 having the plate function is rolled whilecontacting with a surface of the substrate 42. Thus, the pattern of thefunctional resin 25 formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket23 having a plate function is transferred to the surface of thesubstrate 42 to form a pattern of the functional resin 25.

Subsequently, the plurality of the impression cylinders 22, 22 isstopped on the plurality of the means 30′, 30′ for supplying afunctional resin. The respective impression cylinders 22, 22 or theheads 31′, 31′ for supplying a functional resin are moved distancesbetween surfaces of the silicone rubber blankets 24, 24 having no platefunction for pattern formation and the heads 31′, 31′ for supplying afunctional resin, clearances corresponding to film thicknesses of afunctional resin formed on the silicone rubber blankets 24, 24 having noplate function are retained. The functional resins 32′, 32′corresponding to predetermined film thicknesses are supplied from theheads 31′, 31′ for supplying a functional resin. The respectiveimpression cylinders 22, 22 are rotated to form the functional resins26, 26 of predetermined film thicknesses on the surfaces of the siliconerubber blankets 24, 24 having no plate function.

Thereafter, the top of the plurality of the ink film lamination means20′, 20′ of a functional resin is moved onto the printing means 40composed of the flat stage 41 for a substrate and the substrate 42, onwhich a pattern of a functional resin is formed, to be caused by avertical adjustment mechanism of the impression cylinder 22 to contactwith the pattern of the functional resin formed on the substrate 42. Aclearance corresponding to a film thickness of the functional resin 26formed uniformly on the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no platefunction is retained. The impression cylinder 22 is rotated to transfera thin film of the functional resin 26, which has a predetermined filmthickness and is formed on the silicone rubber blanket 24 having noplate function, to only the pattern of the functional resin, which isformed on the substrate 42, in self-alignment. These processes arerepeated plural times to complete forming of a fine and thick filmpattern of a functional resin in a minimum number of processes.

In addition, the means 30 for supplying a functional resin for patternformation and the plurality of means 30′, 30′ for supplying a functionalresin for laminated pattern formation in the embodiment are not limitedto the embodiment but means, such as roll coater, etc., for supplying afunctional resin may be used.

Also, an unnecessary coated film of a functional resin remaining on thesurfaces of the silicone rubber blankets 24, 24 having no plate functionis removed and washed every pattern formation by a plurality of inkremove means, which comprise a metallic impression cylinder, while notshown in the drawing.

FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view showing Embodiment 3 of the invention.The embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 2in that construction, in which the ink film coated means 20 providedwith a moving frame 27 for movement on printing means 40, and the inkfilm lamination means 20′ provided with a moving frame 28 for movementon the printing means 40 are provided on a stationary frame 10.

The embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in that the ink filmcoated means 20 and the ink film lamination means 20′ are provided on amoving frame 27 for movement on the printing means 40.

In FIG. 4, the means 30 for supplying a functional resin for patternformation, the means 30′ for supplying a functional resin for laminatedpattern formation, and the printing means 40 are mounted to thestationary frame 10. Further, the ink film coated means 20 and the inkfilm lamination means 20′ are provided on the moving frame 27 formovement on the printing means 40.

In an operation of the embodiment, the impression cylinders 21, 22 arefirst stopped on the means 30, 30′ for supplying a functional resin. Theimpression cylinders 21, 22 or the heads 31, 31′ for supplying afunctional resin are moved distances between a surface of the siliconerubber blanket 23 having a plate function and a surface of the siliconerubber blanket 24, 24 having no plate function and the heads 31, 31′ forsupplying a functional resin, clearances corresponding to filmthicknesses of a functional resin formed on the silicone rubber blanket23 having a plate function and the silicone rubber blanket 24 having noplate function are retained. The functional resins 32′, 32′corresponding to predetermined film thicknesses are supplied from theheads 31′, 31′ for supplying a functional resin. The impressioncylinders 21, 22 are rotated to form a pattern of the functional resin25 of a predetermined film thickness on a convex pattern part formed onthe surface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 having a plate function. Acoated surface of a functional resin 26 having a predetermined filmthickness is formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 24having no plate function,

Subsequently, the ink film coated means 20 is moved onto the printingmeans 40. A pattern of the functional resin 25 formed on the surface ofthe silicone rubber blanket 23 having a plate function is rolled onto apredetermined position on the substrate 42 while contacting with asurface of the substrate 42. Thus, the pattern of the functional resin25 formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 istransferred to the surface of the substrate 42 to form a pattern of thefunctional resin.

Thereafter, the ink film lamination means 20′ is moved onto the printingmeans 40. The means 20′ is caused by a vertical adjustment mechanism ofthe impression cylinder 22 to contact with the pattern of the functionalresin formed on the substrate 42. A clearance corresponding to a filmthickness of the functional resin 26 formed uniformly on the siliconerubber blanket 24 having no plate function is retained. The impressioncylinder 22 is rotated to transfer a thin film of a functional resin,which has a predetermined film thickness and is formed on the siliconerubber blanket 24 having no plate function, to only the pattern of thefunctional resin, which is formed on the substrate 42, inself-alignment. Thus, a fine and thick film pattern of a functionalresin is completed in a minimum number of processes.

In addition, the means 30 for supplying a functional resin for patternformation and the plurality of means 30′ for supplying a functionalresin for laminated pattern formation in the embodiment are not limitedto the embodiment but means, such as roll coater, etc., for supplying afunctional resin may be used.

Also, an unnecessary coated film of a functional resin remaining on thesurface of the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function isremoved and washed every pattern formation by ink remove means, whichcomprise a metallic impression cylinder, while not shown in the figure.

FIG. 5 is a cross sectional view showing Embodiment 4 of the invention.The embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 2in that construction, in which the ink film coated means 20 and the inkfilm lamination means 20′ are provided on a stationary frame 10.

The embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in that the ink filmcoated means 20 and a plurality of ink film lamination means 20′ areprovided on a moving frame 27 for movement on printing means 40.

In FIG. 5, means 30 for supplying a functional resin for patternformation, a plurality of means 30′, 30′ for supplying a functionalresin for laminated pattern formation, and the printing means 40 aremounted to the stationary frame 10. Further, provided on the movingframe 27 for movement on the printing means 40 are the means 20 and theplurality of the ink film lamination means 20′, 20′.

In an operation of the embodiment, an impression cylinder 21 for patternformation and a plurality of impression cylinders 22 for laminatedpattern formation are first stopped on the means 30 for supplying afunctional resin for pattern formation and the plurality of means 30′,30′ for supplying a functional resin for laminated pattern formation.The impression cylinders 21, 22, 22 or heads 31 and 31′, 31′ forsupplying a functional resin are moved distances between surfaces of asilicone rubber blanket 23 having a plate function and of a siliconerubber blanket 24 having no plate function and the heads 31 and 31′, 31′for supplying a functional resin, clearances corresponding to filmthicknesses of a functional resin formed on the silicone rubber blanket23 having a plate function and the silicone rubber blankets 24, 24having no plate function are retained. The functional resins 32 and 32′,32′ corresponding to predetermined film thicknesses are supplied fromthe heads 31 and 31′, 31′ for supplying a functional resin. Theimpression cylinders 21 and 22, 22 are rotated to form on a convexpattern part formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 23having a plate function, a pattern of a functional resin 25 of apredetermined film thickness and coated surfaces of functional resins26, 26 having predetermined film thicknesses on the surfaces of theplurality of silicone rubber blankets 24.

Subsequently, the means 20 is moved onto the printing means 40. Apattern of the functional resin 25 formed on the surface of the siliconerubber blanket 23 having a plate function is rolled onto a predeterminedposition on the substrate 42 while contacting with a surface of thesubstrate 42. Thus, the pattern of the functional resin 25 formed on thesurface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 having a plate function istransferred to the surface of the substrate 42 to form a pattern of thefunctional resin.

Thereafter, the top of the plurality of the ink film lamination means20′, 20′ mounted on the back of the ink film coated means 20 is movedonto the printing means 40. They are caused by a vertical adjustmentmechanism of the impression cylinder 22 to contact with the pattern ofthe functional resin formed on the substrate 42, a clearancecorresponding to a film thickness of the functional resin 26 formeduniformly on the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function isretained. The impression cylinder 22 is rotated to transfer a thin filmof the functional resin, which has a predetermined film thickness and isformed on the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function, toonly the pattern of the functional resin, which is formed on thesubstrate 42, in self-alignment. Thereafter, these processes arerepeated those times, which correspond to the number of the ink filmlamination means 20′ as mounted, to complete formation of a fine andthick film pattern of a functional resin in a minimum number ofprocesses.

In addition, the means 30 for supplying a functional resin for patternformation and the plurality of means 30′, 30′ for supplying a functionalresin for laminated pattern formation in the embodiment are not limitedto the embodiment but means, such as roll coater, etc., for supplying afunctional resin may be used.

Also, an unnecessary coated film of a functional resin remaining on thesurfaces of the silicone rubber blankets 24, 24 having no plate functionis removed and washed every pattern formation by a plurality of inkremove means, which comprise a metallic impression cylinder, while notshown in the drawing.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view showing Embodiment 5 of the invention.The embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 1 shown in FIG. 2in that construction, in which the ink film coated means 20 and the inkfilm lamination means 20′ are provided on a stationary frame 10.

The embodiment is different from Embodiment 1 in that a substratecomprises a glass substrate, a lengthy film 42, etc. and feeding means60 is provided for the lengthy film 42, etc., which makes a substrate.

According to the embodiment, provided on the stationary frame 10 are theink film coated means 20, which comprises an impression cylinder 21having a vertical adjusting mechanism and provided with a siliconerubber blanket 23, which has a plate function, and on which a functionalresin 25 is coated, ink film lamination means 20′, which comprises animpression cylinder 22 having a vertical adjustment mechanism andprovided with a silicone rubber blanket 24, which has no plate function,and on which a functional resin is coated, means 30 for supplying afunctional resin for pattern formation, means 30′ for supplying afunctional resin for laminated pattern formation, printing means 40,40′, and feeding means 60 for the lengthy film 42, etc., which makes asubstrate.

In an operation of the embodiment, the impression cylinder 21 or thehead 31 for supplying a functional resin is moved a distance between asurface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 having a plate function andthe head 31 for supplying a functional resin, a clearance correspondingto a film thickness of a functional resin formed on the silicone rubberblanket 23 having a plate function is retained. A functional resin 32corresponding to a predetermined film thickness is supplied from thehead 31 for supplying a functional resin. The impression cylinder 21 isrotated to form a pattern of a functional resin 25 of a predeterminedfilm thickness on a convex pattern part formed on a surface of thesilicone rubber blanket 23 having a plate function.

Subsequently, a surface of the pattern of the functional resin 25 on theconvex pattern part formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket23 having a plate function and a surface of the lengthy film 42 arecaused by the vertical adjustment mechanism of the impression cylinder21 to contact with each other. A clearance corresponding to a filmthickness of the pattern of the functional resin 25 is retained. Thepattern of the functional resin 25 formed on the surface of the siliconerubber blanket 23 having a plate function is rolled onto the lengthyfilm 42 while contacting with the same to transfer the pattern of thefunctional resin 25 formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket23 having a plate function to the surface of the lengthy film 42 to forma pattern of the functional resin.

Subsequently, the impression cylinder 22 or the head 31′ for supplying afunctional resin is moved a distance between a surface of the siliconerubber blanket 24 having no plate function and the head 31′ forsupplying a functional resin. A clearance corresponding to a filmthickness of the functional resin formed on the silicone rubber blanket24 having no plate function is retained. A functional resin 32′corresponding to a predetermined film thickness is supplied from thehead 31′ for supplying a functional resin. The impression cylinder 22 isrotated to form a functional resin 26 of a predetermined film thicknesson a surface of the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function.

Thereafter, the lengthy film 42 is caused by the feeding means 60 tomove to a predetermined position on a flat stage 41′ for laminatedpattern formation, of the printing means 40′ and caused by a verticaladjustment mechanism of the impression cylinder 22 to contact with apattern of a functional resin formed on the lengthy film 42. A clearancecorresponding to a film thickness of the functional resin 26 formeduniformly on the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function isretained. The impression cylinder 22 is rotated to transfer a thin filmof the functional resin, which has a predetermined film thickness and isformed on the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function, toonly the pattern of the functional resin, which is formed on thesubstrate 42, in self-alignment. Thus, formation of a fine and thickfilm pattern of a functional resin is completed in a minimum number ofprocesses.

In addition, after formation of a fine and thick film pattern of afunctional resin is completed, an unnecessary coated film of afunctional resin remaining on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket24 having no plate function is removed and washed every patternformation by ink remove means 50, which comprise a metallic impressioncylinder.

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view showing Embodiment 6 of the invention.The embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 5 shown in FIG. 6in that construction, in which the ink film coated means 20 and the inkfilm lamination means 20′ are provided on a stationary frame 10. Theembodiment is different from Embodiment 5 in the provision of aplurality of ink film lamination means 20′.

According to the embodiment, provided on the stationary frame 10 are theink film coated means 20, a plurality of ink film lamination means 20′,20′, means 30 for supplying a functional resin for pattern formation, aplurality of means 30′, 30′ for supplying a functional resin forlaminated pattern formation, printing means 40, 40′, 40′ and feedingmeans 60 for a lengthy film 42, etc., which makes a substrate.

In an operation of the embodiment, an impression cylinder 21 or a head31 for supplying a functional resin is moved a distance between asurface of a silicone rubber blanket 23 having a plate function and thehead 31 for supplying a functional resin. A clearance corresponding to afilm thickness of a functional resin formed on the silicone rubberblanket 23 having a plate function is retained. A functional resin 32corresponding to a predetermined film thickness is supplied from thehead 31 for supplying a functional resin, and the impression cylinder 21is rotated to form a pattern of a functional resin 25 of a predeterminedfilm thickness on a convex pattern part formed on the surface of thesilicone rubber blanket 23 having a plate function.

Subsequently, a surface of the pattern of the functional resin 25 on theconvex pattern part formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket23 having a plate function and a surface of the lengthy film 42 arecaused by a vertical adjustment mechanism of the impression cylinder 21to contact with each other. A clearance corresponding to a filmthickness of the pattern of the functional resin 25 is retained. Thepattern of the functional resin 25 formed on the surface of the siliconerubber blanket 23 having a plate function is rolled onto a surface ofthe lengthy film 42 while contacting with the same to transfer thepattern of the functional resin 25 formed on the surface of the siliconerubber blanket 23 having a plate function to the surface of the lengthyfilm 42 to form a pattern of the functional resin.

Subsequently, the impression cylinders 22, 22 or the heads 31′, 31′ forsupplying a functional resin are moved distances between surfaces ofsilicone rubber blankets 24, 24 having no plate function and the heads31′, 31′ for supplying a functional resin. Clearances corresponding tofilm thicknesses of a functional resin formed on the silicone rubberblankets 24, 24 having no plate function are retained. The functionalresins 32′, 32′ corresponding to predetermined film thicknesses aresupplied from the heads 31′, 31′ for supplying a functional resin, andthe impression cylinders 22, 22 are rotated to form functional resins26, 26 having predetermined film thicknesses on the surfaces of thesilicone rubber blankets 24, 22.

Thereafter, the lengthy film 42 is caused by the feeding means 60 tomove to a predetermined position on a flat stage 41′ for laminatedpattern formation, of the printing means 40′ and caused by a verticaladjustment mechanism of the impression cylinder 22 to contact with apattern of a functional resin formed on the substrate 42. A clearancecorresponding to a film thickness of the functional resin 26 formeduniformly on the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function isretained. The impression cylinder 22 is rotated to transfer a thin filmof the functional resin, which has a predetermined film thickness and isformed on the silicone rubber blanket 24 having no plate function, toonly the pattern of the functional resin, which is formed on thesubstrate 42, in self-alignment. Thereafter, these processes arerepeated those times, which correspond to the number of the ink filmlamination means 20′ as mounted, to complete formation of a fine andthick film pattern of a functional resin in a minimum number ofprocesses.

In addition, after formation of a fine and thick film pattern of afunctional resin is completed, an unnecessary coated film of afunctional resin remaining on the surfaces of the plurality of siliconerubber blankets 24, 24 having no plate function is removed and washedevery pattern formation by ink remove means 50, which comprise ametallic impression cylinder.

FIG. 8 is a cross sectional view showing Embodiment 7 of a printingapparatus, which uses a printing method according to the invention. Thereference numeral 10 denotes a stationary frame, 20 ink film coatedmeans, 20′ ink film lamination means, 21 an impression cylinder forpattern formation, 22 an impression cylinder for laminated patternformation, 23 a silicone rubber blanket for pattern formation, 24 asilicone rubber blanket for laminated pattern formation, 25 a functionalresin coated on a silicone rubber blanket for pattern formation, 26 afunctional resin formed uniformly on a silicone rubber blanket forlaminated pattern formation, 27 a moving frame for pattern formation, 28a moving frame for laminated pattern formation, 30 means for supplying afunctional resin for pattern formation, 31 a head for supplying afunctional resin for pattern formation, 32 a functional resin forpattern formation, 33 a tank of a functional resin for patternformation, 30′ means for supplying a functional resin for laminatedpattern formation, 31′ a head for supplying a functional resin forlaminated pattern formation, 32′ a functional resin for laminatedpattern formation, 33′ a tank of a functional resin for laminatedpattern formation, 40 printing means, 41 a flat stage for a substrate,42 a substrate, 50 unnecessary ink remove means, 70 pattern formingmeans, 71 a flat stage for pattern formation, and 72 a pattern formingplate.

According to the embodiment, provided on the stationary frame 10 are themeans 30 for supplying a functional resin for pattern formation, themeans 30′ for supplying a functional resin for laminated patternformation, the printing means 40, and the pattern forming means 70.Further, provided on the stationary frame 10 are the moving frame 27,which comprises the impression cylinder 21 for forming of pattern coatedsurface, having a vertical adjustment mechanism and mounting thereon thesilicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation and which moves the inkfilm coated means 20, on which a functional resin is coated, onto thepattern forming means 70 and the printing means 40, the moving frame 28,which comprises the impression cylinder 22 for laminated patternformation, having a vertical adjustment mechanism and mounting thereonthe silicone rubber blanket 24 for laminated pattern formation and whichmoves the ink film lamination means 20′, on which a functional resin iscoated, onto the printing means 40, and the unnecessary ink remove means50.

In an operation of the embodiment, the impression cylinder 21 is firststopped on the means 30 for supplying a functional resin. The impressioncylinder 21 or the head 31 for supplying a functional resin is moved adistance between a surface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 for patternformation and the head 31 for supplying a functional resin. A clearancecorresponding to a film thickness of a functional resin formed on thesilicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation is retained. Afunctional resin 32 corresponding to a predetermined film thickness issupplied from the head 31 for supplying a functional resin. Theimpression cylinder 21 is rotated to form a coated surface of thefunctional resin 25 of a predetermined film thickness on a surface ofthe silicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation.

Subsequently, the ink film coated means 20 is moved onto the patternforming means 70, which is composed of the flat stage 71 for patternformation and the pattern forming plate 72. The functional resin 25formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 for patternformation is rolled onto a predetermined position on the pattern formingplate 72 while contacting with a surface of the pattern forming plate72. A functional resin on an unnecessary portion is removed from thefunctional resin 25 formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket23 for pattern formation to form a pattern of a functional resin on thesurface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation.

Subsequently, the ink film coated means 20 is moved onto the printingmeans 40, which is composed of the flat stage 41 for a substrate and thesubstrate 42. A pattern of a functional resin formed on the surface ofthe silicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation is rolled onto apredetermined position on the substrate 42 while contacting therewith totransfer the pattern of the functional resin formed on the surface ofthe silicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation to the surface ofthe substrate 42 to form a pattern of a functional resin.

Subsequently, the impression cylinder 22 is stopped on the means 30′ forsupplying a functional resin. The impression cylinder 22 or the head 31′for supplying a functional resin is moved a distance between a surfaceof the silicone rubber blanket 24 for laminated pattern formation andthe head 31′ for supplying a functional resin. A clearance correspondingto a film thickness of a functional resin formed on the silicone rubberblanket 24 for laminated pattern formation is retained. The functionalresin 32′ corresponding to a predetermined film thickness is suppliedfrom the head 31′ for supplying a functional resin, and the impressioncylinder 22 is rotated to form the functional resin 26 of apredetermined film thickness on the surface of the silicone rubberblanket 24 for laminated pattern formation.

Thereafter, the ink film lamination means 20′ is moved onto the printingmeans 40 composed of the flat stage 41 for a substrate and the substrate42, on which a pattern of a functional resin is formed. The means 20′ iscaused by a vertical adjustment mechanism of the impression cylinder 22to contact with the pattern of the functional resin formed on thesubstrate 42. A clearance corresponding to a film thickness of thefunctional resin 26 formed uniformly on the silicone rubber blanket 24for laminated pattern formation is retained. The impression cylinder 22is rotated to transfer a thin film of the functional resin, which has apredetermined film thickness and is formed on the silicone rubberblanket 24 for laminated pattern formation, to only the pattern of thefunctional resin, which is formed on the substrate 42, inself-alignment, to complete formation of a fine and thick film patternof a functional resin in a minimum number of processes.

In addition, an unnecessary coated film of a functional resin remainingon the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 24 for laminated patternformation is removed and washed every pattern formation by ink removemeans 50, which comprise a metallic impression cylinder.

FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view showing Embodiment 8 of the invention.The embodiment is substantially the same as Embodiment 7 shown in FIG. 8in that construction, in which the ink film coated means 20 and the inkfilm lamination means 20′ are provided on a stationary frame 10. Theembodiment is different from Embodiment 7 in the provision of a lengthyfilm 42 as a substrate and printing means 40′ for laminated pattern.

According to the embodiment, mounted on the stationary frame 10 aremeans 30 for supplying a functional resin for pattern formation, theprinting means 40′ for laminated pattern formation, and pattern formingmeans 70. Further, provided on the stationary frame 10 are moving frame27, which moves the ink film coated means 20 onto the pattern formingmeans 70 and printing means 40 for pattern formation, the ink filmlamination means 20′, means 30′ for supplying a functional resin forlaminated pattern formation, feeding means 60 for a lengthy film 42, andunnecessary ink remove means 50.

In an operation of the embodiment, an impression cylinder 21 is firststopped on the means 30 for supplying a functional resin, an impressioncylinder 21 or a head 31 for supplying a functional resin is moved adistance between a surface of a silicone rubber blanket 23 for patternformation and the head 31 for supplying a functional resin, a clearancecorresponding to a film thickness of a functional resin formed on thesilicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation is retained, afunctional resin 32 corresponding to a predetermined film thickness issupplied from the head 31 for supplying a functional resin, and theimpression cylinder 21 is rotated to form a coated surface of thefunctional resin 25 of a predetermined film thickness on a surface ofthe silicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation.

Subsequently, the ink film coated means 20 is moved onto the patternforming means 70. The functional resin 25 formed on the surface of thesilicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation is rolled onto asurface of the pattern forming plate 72 while contacting therewith. Afunctional resin on an unnecessary portion is removed from thefunctional resin 25 formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket23 for pattern formation. A pattern of a functional resin is formed onthe surface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation.

Subsequently, the ink film coated means 20 is moved onto the printingmeans 40. A pattern of a functional resin formed on the surface of thesilicone rubber blanket 23 for pattern formation is rolled onto apredetermined position on the lengthy film 42 while contacting with asurface of the lengthy film 42 to transfer the pattern of the functionalresin formed on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 23 forpattern formation to the surface of the lengthy film 42 to form apattern of a functional resin.

Subsequently, the impression cylinder 22 or the head 31′ for supplying afunctional resin is moved a distance between a surface of the siliconerubber blanket 24 for laminated pattern formation and the head 31′ forsupplying a functional resin. A clearance corresponding to a filmthickness of a functional resin formed on the silicone rubber blanket 24for laminated pattern formation is retained. The functional resin 32′corresponding to a predetermined film thickness is supplied from thehead 31′ for supplying a functional resin. The impression cylinder 22 isrotated to form the functional resin 26 of a predetermined filmthickness on the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 24 for laminatedpattern formation.

Thereafter, the lengthy film 42 is moved to a predetermined position ona flat stage 41′ for laminated pattern formation, of the printing means40′ for laminated pattern formation by the feeding means 60 and causedby a vertical adjustment mechanism of the impression cylinder 22 of theink film lamination means 20′ to contact with the pattern of thefunctional resin formed on the lengthy film 42. Clearance correspondingto a film thickness of the functional resin 26 formed uniformly on thesilicone rubber blanket 24 for laminated pattern formation is retained.The impression cylinder 22 is rotated to form a thin film of thefunctional resin 26, which has a predetermined film thickness and isformed on the silicone rubber blanket 24 for laminated patternformation, to only the pattern of the functional resin, which is formedon the lengthy film 42, in self-alignment, to complete formation of afine and thick film pattern of a functional resin in a minimum number ofprocesses.

In addition, an unnecessary coated film of a functional resin remainingon the surface of the silicone rubber blanket 24 for laminated patternformation is removed and washed every pattern formation by ink removemeans 50, which comprise a metallic impression cylinder.

While the embodiments have been described, the invention is not limitedthereto but it is apparent to those skilled in the art that theinvention is susceptible to various changes and modifications within thespirit of the invention and a range of the attached claims.

1. A printing method comprising: a process of forming a pattern of afunctional resin on a silicone rubber blanket having a plate function; aprocess of transferring the pattern to a substrate; and a process offorming a uniform functional resin on a silicone rubber blanket havingno plate function, pressing the uniform functional resin against thepattern on the substrate, removing a functional resin on a portionpressed against the pattern from the uniform functional resin, andlaminating the removed functional resin on the pattern on the substrate,and wherein the functional resin removed from the silicone rubberblanket having no plate function is laminated only on the pattern on thesubstrate in self-alignment.
 2. A printing method comprising: a processof forming a uniform functional resin on a silicone rubber blankethaving no plate function; a process of pressing the uniform functionalresin against an intaglio or a printing plate and removing a functionalresin on a portion pressed by the intaglio or the printing plate fromthe uniform functional resin to form a pattern on the silicone rubberblanket having no plate function; a process of transferring the patternto a substrate; and a process of forming a uniform functional resin on asilicone rubber blanket having no plate function, pressing the uniformfunctional resin against the pattern on the substrate, removing afunctional resin on a portion pressed by the pattern from the uniformfunctional resin, and laminating the removed functional resin on thepattern on the substrate, and wherein the functional resin removed fromthe silicone rubber blanket having no plate function is laminated onlyon the pattern on the substrate in self-alignment.
 3. The printingmethod according to claim 2, wherein the process of laminating isrepeated plural times.
 4. The printing method according to claim 2,wherein the substrate comprises a lengthy film.